Smith Entertainment Group (SEG) has unveiled its vision for a reimagined downtown Salt Lake City, with plans for a major sports, entertainment, cultural and convention district centred on the Delta Center.
Sports Business Journal said the proposals aim to transform the area around the home of the NBA’s Utah Jazz and NHL’s Utah Mammoth into a connected, year-round destination combining live entertainment, hospitality, retail, residential and cultural attractions.
SEG chairman and CEO Ryan Smith said the ambition was to create a more accessible and pedestrian-friendly downtown environment, bringing together existing venues and new developments through improved public spaces and connections.
He said, “It’s truly a place for families and people to gather. And that’s going to be something that everyone can participate in.”
A central feature will be a pedestrian promenade linking City Creek Center with the Delta Center and Salt Palace Convention Center.
The route will incorporate restaurants, retail outlets, public gathering spaces, artwork and features celebrating Utah’s sporting identity.
The plans also include a new 6,000-capacity concert venue being developed in partnership with Live Nation.
The venue is expected to host between 80 and 120 concerts annually, adding another major entertainment attraction to the city centre.
The Delta Center itself will be integrated more closely into the surrounding district through a redesigned eastern entrance.
The 20,000-capacity Delta Center is an indoor venue in Salt Lake City, Utah, US. Opened in 1991, the arena is the home of the Utah Jazz of the National Basketball Association (NBA) and Utah Mammoth of the National Hockey League (NHL).
SEG also intends to replace approximately 400 feet of existing loading docks along 100 South with retail and office space, improved streetscape and murals.
A substantial redevelopment of the Salt Palace Convention Center also forms part of the wider vision.
Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson outlined proposals for additional ballrooms, flexible meeting rooms and exhibition facilities designed to strengthen the city’s ability to accommodate major national and international conventions.
The wider development will incorporate a new hotel, residential accommodation, restaurants, offices and retail space.
Cultural investment will include a new Utah Museum of Contemporary Art and improvements to Abravanel Hall, with upgrades to backstage and operational facilities.
The project is intended to strengthen downtown Salt Lake City’s appeal as a destination for residents, visitors and major events, while supporting the city’s preparations for the 2034 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Construction is targeted to begin in 2027, with the wider programme intended to be completed ahead of the 2034 Winter Olympics.
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